Crapo Praises Idaho Marine's Heroic Actions

Military Vanguard Award to be awarded this week

Washington, DC â??Idaho Senator Mike Crapo praised the service of Idaho Marine Reservist Sergeant (Sgt) Luke Miller, who will receive the Non-Commissioned Officer Association (NCOA) Military Vanguard Award Thursday. The Military Vanguard Award is presented annually to one member of each branch of the Armed Forces for a heroic act. Miller was chosen for the award for saving the lives of several fellow Marines while defending and securing a critical battle position and identifying numerous additional insurgent targets. â??Sgt. Miller is a great example of the bravery and sacrifice that Idahoans demonstrate in the defense of our country,â?? Crapo said. â??His actions not only saved the lives of his fellow soldiers but he also had the courage to carry out the remainder of his mission successfully in extreme circumstances. He will be long remembered by all Americans for his dedication and service to our nation. Iâ??m proud to call him a fellow Idahoan and pleased he has received this recognition.â?? Miller was on
a mission to seize a bridge in Karabilah, Iraq when he and other platoon members came under fire by insurgents. Another tank working to secure the bridge was disabled by enemy fire, which injured the soldiers inside. Miller jumped from his tank to the disabled tank and began rescue operations for those inside as well as contacting his platoon commander to call for medical help. Following that rescue, Miller returned to his tank to carry out the remainder of his mission and went on to identify more than ten additional pockets of insurgents in that incident. Miller, of Boise, serving in Charlie Company, 4th Tank Battalion located at Gowen Field, will receive the Military Vanguard Award in a ceremony on Thursday, November 10th at 11:00 a.m. in the Cannon Caucus Room, Cannon House Office Building in Washington D.C. Miller has also been nominated for a military Bronze Star Medal, which is currently pending. FOR INTERESTED MEDIA: A radio actuality is available by calling 1-800-545-1267. Press 327 at any time
during or after the greeting and instructions. You can also access the actuality through the Internet at www.senate.gov/src/radio/crapo.